City Commission Minutes

WALKER CITY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS
4243 REMEMBRANCE RD.
July 13, 2009

Mayor Robert Ver Heulen called the Committee of the Whole Meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

Mayor VerHeulen stated the Personnel Committee Meeting just concluded.

The Personnel Committee met in regards to the Military Pay Policy, which was adopted in 2002.

The purpose of this policy was to have any employee remain whole. At this time while reviewing the budget we feel the Military Leave Policy was not interpreted correctly.

Motion by Commissioner Versluis, seconded by Commissioner Deschaine, to reject the request of the Personnel Committee to suspend the Military Leave Policy, and in turn to not suspend the Military Leave Policy as it presently exist and is currently in effect. Motion carried 7-0.

Motion by Commissioner Versluis, seconded by Commissioner Parent, to clarify existing Military Leave Policy to define compensation as all Military Financial entitlements as shown on military employee leave earnings statement, effective immediately. Motion carried 7-0.

Motion by Commissioner Versluis, seconded by Commissioner Holt, to direct the Personnel Committee to review the Military Leave Policy and come back to the Commission with recommendations within 90 days. Motion carried 7-0

Commissioner Deschaine stated for clarification the Military Leave Policy remains in effect as clarified.

Steve Dyke thanked the Commission for their support of not suspending the Military Leave Pay Policy.

Mayor VerHeulen thanked Steve Dyke for his Military Service.

Commission Versluis thanked Steve Dyke for his Military Service.

Residents: Paul Hascher, Jennifer Hayes, Steve Wildey, and George Garland spoke.

Motion by Commissioner Versluis, seconded by Commissioner Deschaine, to open the Public Hearing for Trimquest LLC Revocation for Cert# 2003-255 and Cert# 99-734 of the Industrial Facilities Exemption. Motion carried 7-0

City Manager stated Trimquest left the City in January 2009. They were notified of this revocation and a settlement was negotiated and paid.

Motion by Commissioner Kent, seconded by Commissioner Parent, to close the Public Hearing. Motion carried 7-0.

Festival Chair, Roxanne Deschaine and Committee member Mark Bydalek gave a report on the Festival success. The Festival was a large success, having record turnout, and continuing to make this an affordable family friendly event.

Mayor Ver Heulen called the meeting to order at 8:00 PM

Commissioner Stek gave the invocation, and City Clerk called the roll.

Present: Mayor Ver Heulen, Commissioners: Parent, Holt, Stek, Versluis, Deschaine, and Kent.

Also present was City Manager Vander Meulen and Assistant City Manager Schmalzel.

Motion by Commissioner Parent, seconded by Commissioner Holt, to approve the City Commission minutes of June 22, 2009. Motion carried 7-0.

Kathleen McDonald, 760 Cloverdale, spoke of her continuing sewage backup in her basement.

This has been an ongoing problem, and she has tried to get support from the City of Grand Rapids to no avail. She has also contacted the City of Walker Engineering Department and the Public Works Department. She is asking for the Commissions help on this matter.

City Manager Vander Meulen stated she would look into this and get back to the Commission.

Motion by Commissioner Kent, seconded by Commissioner Parent, to table the Public Hearing for Kenona Industries. Motion carried 7-0.

Motion by Commissioner Kent, seconded by Commissioner Parent, to approve the expenditures in the amount of $726,332.85. Motion carried 7-0.

Motion by Commissioner Stek, seconded by Commissioner Versluis, to approve a 5 year extension of the Retail Water & Sewer Partnership Extension Agreement with the City of Grand Rapids. Motion carried 7-0.

Motion by Commissioner Deschaine, seconded by Commissioner Versluis, to approve the Command Officers Association Collective Bargaining Agreement for 3 years from 7-1-09

to 6-30-2012. Motion carried 7-0.

City Manager reviewed some of the changes in the Police contract. The new contract has created two Captain Positions, which will replace the Deputy Chief and Lieutenant Chief Positions.

This will improve accountability within the divisions. The six sergeants remain unchanged. There are no changes to the pension plan. The Officers will continue to pay 10% of their health care cost.

Motion by Commissioner Stek, seconded by Commissioner Holt, to approve Traffic Control Order # 205. Motion carried 7-0.

Motion by Commissioner Versluis, seconded by Commissioner Holt, to approve Resolution 09-100 for Revocation of Cert#2003-255 and Cert# 99-734 of the Industrial Facilities Exemption for Trimquest LLC. Motion carried 7-0.

Motion by Commissioner Stek, seconded by Commissioner Versluis, to approve ORD 09-573 Second Reading of Standale Downtown District Zoning Ordinance. Motion carried 7-0.

Motion by Commissioner Parent, seconded by Commissioner Kent, to approve ORD 09-574

Second Reading for North Ridge Drive East Precise Plat Zoning Ordinance. Motion carried 7-0.

Commissioner Stek announced that Gary Carey will be stepping down from the Historical Commission as Chair, but will remain on the Historical Commission as a member.

Commissioner Parent reported that the Community Relations Committee would like to put a monument in the City Central Park or by City Hall; this monument would be in memory of our past City Officials.

Motion by Commissioner Kent, seconded by Commissioner Parent, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Bydalek, City Clerk

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The City of Walker, Michigan
4243 Remembrance Rd. NW
Walker, MI  49534
(616)453-6311
City Hall hours: Mon-Thursday from 7:30am to 5:30pm. Closed Fridays
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